The regional science and technical committee convened on Monday in Suva to endorse two scientific methods known as the Rapid Coastal Assessment (RapCA) and the Island Diagnostic Analysis (IDA).

The Pacific R2R programme is aimed at improving the livelihoods of Pacific people through local actions to conserve and rehabilitate island environments.

The program has 14 member countries which include Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Pacific R2R Project Implementation Adviser Dr Milika Sobey said the RapCA method will get a snapshot of the status of demonstration site in each of the 14 countries by using 22 different indicators.

“These indicators cover the current state of governance, socio-economic and environmental conditions in the project site and one other site deemed a priority site for ridge to reef interventions by the country,” Dr Sobey said.

The IDA will combine desk top reviews and stake holder meetings in each member country which would lead to the identification of priority sites.